Frozen pipes are water pipes that have become so cold that the water inside them has frozen and turned into ice. This can happen during extremely cold weather when the temperature drops below freezing. When water freezes, it expands and can cause the pipes to crack or even burst, which can lead to leaks and water damage. A Plumber from Narre Warren can help you get rid of this problem.
Frozen pipes are a common problem in areas with cold climates, but they can also occur in homes and buildings that are not properly insulated or have inadequate heating. It is important to take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, such as keeping the temperature in your home above freezing, insulating pipes in unheated areas, and allowing faucets to drip to keep water flowing.
Why Is Freezing of Pipes a Problem?
Freezing of pipes can be problematic for several reasons:
- Bursting of pipes: Water expands when it freezes, which can put pressure on the walls of the pipe and cause it to crack or burst. This can lead to leaks and water damage in your home or building.
- Interruption of water supply: If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow through them, which can interrupt the water supply to your home or building. This can be particularly problematic if you rely on the water for drinking, cooking, or sanitation.
- Damage to plumbing fixtures: When water freezes, it can also cause damage to plumbing fixtures such as faucets and valves, which can be expensive to repair or replace. This also calls for summoning a plumber from Narre Warren for professional help.
- Mould and mildew growth: If water leaks from a frozen pipe, it can create a damp environment that is ideal for the growth of mould and mildew. This can lead to health problems for you and your family, as well as damage to your home or building.
- Increased energy costs: Frozen pipes can also lead to increased energy costs, as you may need to use more energy to heat your home or building to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Protection of Pipes from Freezing
Freezing of pipes is a trouble for all. But this trouble can be avoided by adopting various steps which are:
- Insulate your pipes: Pipes that are located in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements are more vulnerable to freezing. You can prevent this by wrapping them with insulation sleeves or foam pipe insulation.
- Seal drafts: Air leaks can make your home colder and increase the risk of frozen pipes. Seal any drafts around windows, doors, and pipes with caulking or weatherstripping.
- Keep the heat on: Keeping your home or building heated can help prevent pipes from freezing. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you are away from home.
- Let faucets drip: Letting faucets drip can help prevent pipes from freezing. Running water through the pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent them from freezing.
- Open cabinet doors: If you have pipes located under sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around them.
- Drain outdoor pipes and hoses: Before the cold weather hits, drain outdoor pipes and hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots.
- Use heat tape: If you have pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing, you can wrap them with heat tape. This helps in keeping the pipes warm and prevents them from freezing.
Follow these steps or summon a plumber from Narre Warren, and you can help protect your pipes from freezing and prevent the costly damage that can result from frozen pipes.
Prevention of Pipes from Freezing
Prevention of freezing pipes helps in the smooth functioning of everything in the winter. It can be achieved by –
- Keep your home warm: Make sure that the temperature inside your home remains above freezing. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, consider leaving the heat on and setting the thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Insulate pipes: Insulate pipes that run through unheated areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to help keep the pipes warm.
- Seal drafts: Seal any drafts around windows, doors, and pipes with caulking or weatherstripping. For a professional touch, summon a local plumber from Narre Warren.
- Let faucets drip: Letting faucets drip can help prevent pipes from freezing. Running water through the pipes, even at a trickle, can help prevent them from freezing.
- Open cabinet doors: If you have pipes located under sinks, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around them.
- Drain outdoor pipes and hoses: Before the cold weather hits, drain outdoor pipes and hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots.
- Keep garage doors closed: If you have pipes that run through your garage, keep the garage doors closed to help keep the area warm.
- Use a space heater: If you have an area in your home that is particularly prone to freezing, such as a crawl space or basement, you can use a space heater to help keep the area warm.
Thawing of Frozen Pipes
Even after all the above-mentioned measures if your pipes still get frozen, you need to thaw them for proper functioning. The following are the methods for thawing frozen pipes –
- Hairdryer: You can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to warm up the frozen pipe. Start from the end nearest the faucet and work your way toward the blockage.
- Hot towels: Soaking some towels in hot water and wrapping them around the frozen pipe helps a lot. Replace them as they cool down and continue until the water starts to flow again.
- Space heater: You can use a space heater to warm up the area around the frozen pipe. Be careful to keep the heater away from anything that could catch fire.
- Heat lamp: A heat lamp can be used to warm up the area around the frozen pipe. Be careful to keep it away from anything that could catch fire.
- Electric pipe heater: An electric pipe heater can be wrapped around the frozen pipe to thaw it out. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use or better, summon a plumber from Narre Warren.
- Hot water: You can pour hot water over the frozen pipe to thaw it out. Be careful not to use boiling water as it can cause the pipe to burst.
It is important to be patient when thawing out frozen pipes. Rushing the process can cause damage to the pipe and make the situation worse. If you are unable to thaw the pipe yourself or if you suspect that the pipe is damaged, it is best to call a local plumber from Narre Warren for assistance.
Ensure Your Home’s Safety
Make sure your home is protected in the winter months and the water supply is uninterrupted throughout the year. Contact Doyle Plumbing Group and enjoy the services of our experienced plumbers. Choose from various packages we have to offer or get a personalised package as per your requirements.